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Megan Waters, Strategic Communications Coordinator| 303.333.7846 | [email protected]

DENVER — Tonight, Conservation Colorado celebrated victories in Colorado’s 2026 primary election after a majority of its endorsed candidates have won or are poised to win competitive races for state legislature and county commission, overcoming heavy spending by the oil and gas industry and other corporate interests.

Conservation Colorado and its political committees made their largest-ever investments in primary elections this year to support candidates who are committed to protecting Colorado’s climate, air, land, water and communities. Of Conservation Colorado’s eight endorsed candidates, six are ahead or have declared victories in their primary races, including Chela Garcia Irlando in Senate District 34.

These pro-conservation candidates overcame unprecedented spending by the oil and gas industry and other corporate interests. One Main Street-affiliated groups spent over $3 million statewide in the primary election, including more than $500,000 against the four county commission candidates endorsed by Conservation Colorado and over $1 million opposing Garcia Irlando in Senate District 34 alone.

Garcia Irlando’s victory in Senate District 34 — one of the most expensive races of the 2026 primaries — demonstrates a major win for community over corporate interests. She has spent the last decade fighting for environmental justice and working communities, and is committed to doing so at the state legislature. Conservation Colorado and its political committees invested $203,497 in support of her campaign, reaching voters through mail, phonebanking, canvassing and other voter outreach efforts.

“Tonight’s results prove that Coloradans can’t be bought by corporate interests,” said Aly Ferrufino-Coqueugniot, deputy vice president of programs and politics at Conservation Colorado. “As the climate crisis worsens and Colorado families continue to face rising costs, voters made it clear they want leaders who will hold corporate polluters accountable, advance bold climate action and put communities first.”

These primary victories are an important step toward building state leadership that will tackle the climate crisis, lower costs for families and protect our air, water, lands and communities. Conservation Colorado looks forward to supporting these endorsed candidates through the November general election and working with Colorado’s new climate leaders in 2027 and beyond.

About Conservation Colorado

Conservation Colorado is the state’s largest environmental advocacy organization, working to protect Colorado’s climate, air, land, water and communities. Through grassroots organizing, policy, advocacy and elections, Conservation Colorado builds the political power needed to move Colorado toward a healthier, more sustainable future.